Ive read and understand how the locking diffs work. Now im just wondering, are the models that dont have the cdl not very good at all offroad?

 

No, not at all. These trucks are very good off road stock, even using just low gear. The CDL just makes them better. If you are serious about off roading, you can easily (not necessarily cheaply) upgrade a non-CDL Disco to have the locking T-case. But if you're worried about it not having CDL and being useless off road, I promise you it wont be. Yes, trucks with CDL might climb better, but you wont be left at the bottom of the mountain, thats for sure.

There are two options with Discos that have no CDL.

A) 99-Mid 01 has the locking T-case, just no linkage to engage it.
Resolution: buy a used DI or 04 DII linkage and shifter and install it, and you've got CDL. You can also buy a brand new shifter as well. Used is cheaper though.

B) Late 01-03 does not have the locking T-case (no nipple)
Resolution: (Here's the expensive part) You would have to buy a locking T-case and replace the non-locking one. You would also have to buy the linkage along with that.

In other words, buy a 99-Mid 01 and add the linkage, or just get a DI!

 

FYI, I have a March 2001 Build date D2 that has the CDL nipple, but if you do end up with a '01 D2, check for the nipple just to be sure. For that matter, I would check on any D2 you may buy. You never know, someone may have swapped it out for the $$ since they did not need it or really care to have it, and put in the non-CDL T/C, not likely, but you never know.

There are some pictures on the forum to see where it is and what to check for.

 

thanks